Best Travel Guide Santiago | ArrivalGuides.com

SantiagoGuide was updated: 2024-04-25

In the heart of Chile, between Argentina and the South Pacific Ocean, lies the country's capital Santiago. Over a quarter of Chile's population call 'The City of the Island Hills' their home. Located in a valley consisting of broad and fertile lands, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, Santiago offers a cosmopolitan and energetic city life that is inseparably attached to its beautiful natural setting. Immerse yourself in the city's cultural and musical energy that is reflected in colourful neighbourhoods and a reinvigorated art scene.

Do & See

As a travel destination, Santiago is often overlooked and misjudged as a layover on the journey to another city in Chile, another country in South America, or another international destination. However, its perfect location between the Andes and the ocean will give you endless opportunities to explore the surrounding nature while Santiago itself will enchant you with a unique mix of ancient tradition and modern influences. Here are some of the things you should not miss when visiting Santiago:

Plaza de Armas

Located in the heart of Santiago is Plaza de Armas, the centrepiece of the city. Initially, Santiago was designed around this central square in a grid pattern. A fountain in the middle of the square celebrates libertador (liberator) Simón Bolívar who emancipated Latin America from Spanish control. The historic centre of Santiago around Plaza de Armas is home to a variety of museums and impressive works of architecture that line several pedestrian precincts.

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Cajon del Maipo

Cajon del Maipo is a beautiful gorge about 25km outside of the city that offers outdoor adventures to residents and visitors of Santiago. Here you will also find El Morado Natural Monument, a mountain reserve with hiking trails, glaciers, a rich birdlife and thermal springs, Baños Morales, nearby.

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Cerro San Cristóbal

The view from Cerro San Cristóbal is stunning and gives you the most scenic panorama of Santiago imaginable. There are several ways to reach the top of Cerro San Cristóbal to take in this unparalleled view. You can take the funicular that leaves from Bellavista or, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can hike up Cerro San Cristóbal in about 45 minutes. Either way, try to catch the sunset or sunrise while you are up there and watch the city change from day to night.

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Barrio Bellavista

The bohemian quarter of Santiago, Barrio Bellavista, between the Mapocho River and San Cristóbal Hill, is bursting with secret oddities, colourful graffiti and hidden stalls and boutiques. During the day, you can enjoy the sun, take a stroll and buy all sorts of handcrafted and unique works of art. The weekly art market typically features jewellery made from Lapis Lazuli, a stone that, thanks to its deep blue colour, seems to fit the vibrant surroundings perfectly. At night, Bellavista transforms into a dazzling nightlife hub with a great selection of unique bars and restaurants.

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Cementerio General de Santiago

While it might seem a bit macabre to include a cemetery into your travel schedule, the history of this one is magnificent and the cemetery itself well worth the visit. It is the largest in Latin America and dates back to 1821. If you want to learn more about this resting place, named one the World's Most Scenic Cemetries by the CNN, you should join one of the two hour night tours that will take you through the entire cemetery. You have to be at least 18 years old to join.

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Museum of Memory and Human Rights

The Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos illustrates General Augusto Pinochet's 17-year dictatorship over Chile that resulted in the murder of thousands of Chileans. The museum contributes to the reworking of the period between 1973 and 1990 and at the same time, honours the many victims of the Pinochet rule. It stands as a landmark for the creation of cultural awareness and educates about the terrors of dictatorship.

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